We knew Hamilton was going to be good, but we weren't sure about the mystery player Mo Babouli. The League1 Ontario standout eased any doubts just 10 minutes later by pouncing on a goalkeeping error to make it 2-0.
Dreamland stuff for TFC fans.
Reality would return, however. Gradually the veteran Battery got back into the game. As good as the Baby Reds were on the attack – and they were very good. This team will score – they struggled at the back. That was complicated by a truly dreadful performance by Bono.
The keeper’s play has to be the most disappointing part of the evening. Perhaps it was nerves, but you’d expect a player that has had a USMNT look to have more command of the box. And by more, I mean any.
Time after time Bono failed to get off his line causing pure chaos to erupt in the box. It didn't help that the green defenders were hardly visions of calm either. ICE THE PUCK was basically the thing, if you follow.
Not shockingly, Charleston’s first goal came off a cross into the box and a nice header by Dane Kelly in the 38th minute.That made it 2-1 going into the break.
In the second half Charleston started to take more control and Bono seemed to get even more nervous. At one point he bizarrely picked up a back pass. It was like his brain was on airplane mode.
As an aside: Some may suggest that it’s unfair to be critical to a player making his pro debut or to be as critical to the USL side in general. That’s not helpful. Part of the learning curve at the USL level is to figure out how to ignore the hacks and to improve their play despite criticism. When I cover the academy I will focus more on positives, but at the USL level they get the same treatment as the senior team. Bono was shocking tonight.
Eventually the chaos resulted in the tying goal. Another cross into the box that wasn't dealt with -- and Bono basically giving up on the play after getting a little contact -- resulted in a goal by defender Shawn Ferguson in the 55th minute. TFC2 players were calling for a foul, and maybe they might have got one with a different referee – maybe – but it was the type of goal that needs to be addressed and prevented moving forward.
The winner came in stoppage time. Like father like son, right? I almost feel bad describing it. Scramble. Chaos. Game over.
Taylor Muller was the goal scorer, for what it’s worth.
All things considered there was a lot to like about the game. The skill is there and the team demonstrated that it is going to be competitive in the league. There was also plenty of examples of why these guys aren’t in MLS yet. Manager Jason Bent will have work to do in training this week.
Especially with the keeper.